KATY McLEAN has already set her sights on World Cup glory, having already chalked up a grand slam in her first year as England women’s rugby captain.

The South Shields sharp-shooter will be hoping to line up for her country in the international showpiece, with France yesterday announced as the venue for the 2014 competition.

“I think that this is a very exciting opportunity for France, and European rugby as a whole,” said McLean, the Darlington Mowden Park fly-half, who was a losing finalist against New Zealand’s Black Ferns in last year’s tournament.

“It is a great chance to build on the success on the 2010 World Cup that was staged here in England.

“France are an extremely competitive nation, and I have always had great experiences when playing there.

“They always manage to get great crowds at their international games, which creates a wonderful atmosphere, and I’m sure that this won’t be any different in 2014.”

Reflecting on her last World Cup experience, McLean said: “The 2010 event was a major success for the women’s game, helping to raise the profile to new levels.

“As a player it was a great event, and an amazing experience. It certainly set the standard for future tournaments, and really I just can’t wait for it all to begin again.”

Having enjoyed a hugely successful first year as skipper, the school teacher said: “I hope that in three years’ time I will still be captaining England because there is no greater honour than captaining your country at a World Cup.

“And, of course, after finishing second at the last two World Cups we want to go one better. Any team entering a World Cup wants to win and we are no different.

“We need to keep building on our performances and ensure that we are fully prepared. It is a long time off yet, and we have other important challenges ahead first, but at the end of the day we are all looking towards 2014.”